According to reports, the 26-year-old Cameroon international has become disillusioned with life at Barcelona and could look to the Premier League for salvation. The defensive midfielder has, therefore, been naturally linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, along with a number of other high-profile English and European clubs.

The World Cup for the 26-year-old, if reports of him wanting to leave are true, could be an opportune time to show that he still has a lot to offer at the highest level.

Cameroon have been drawn against Mexico, Croatia and Brazil as they look to defy the odds and win qualification to the knockout round.

Stephane Mbia

The Queens Park Rangers midfielder, who was on loan at Sevilla last season, has openly said that a move to Liverpool this summer could be one of his favoured destinations.

After playing an important part in Sevilla’s Europa League triumph last season, the 28-year-old proved that he still has the ability to be a top-four Premier League player despite a torrid time in London.

Like Song, the World Cup could offer the former Marseille midfielder a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. And, if he does outplay his Cameroonian midfield partner Song, then the emphasis for Reds manager Brendan Rodgers could be on snapping him up this summer.

Dejan Lovren

The Southampton defender, like Adam Lallana, has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer as Rodgers looks to build a side capable of competing for the Premier League title, while remaining a competitive Champions League side.

Croatia, like Cameroon, are in Group A alongside Mexico and Brazil, and could also be hard pushed to qualify for the knockout stage. Brazil and Mexico will be favourites to qualify based on their ability to cope with the climate.

The World Cup may not divert Rodgers’ attention towards or away from the Southampton defender, but Lovren will be on the big stage against some world-class strikers and eager to prove himself. Ergo, he will be a player to watch.

The Bayern Munich fringe player is considered, by many, as Switzerland’s best player and will be under the microscope as the European side look to qualify ahead of group favourites France, Ecuador and Honduras.

Which is a lot of pressure on the 22-year-old, but it will be interesting to see how he deals with it. Shaqiri himself has said that he does not want to leave Bayern this summer, but things could change in the coming months.

Antoine Griezmann

The Real Sociedad star, who has three goals in four appearances for France, is expected to step up for his country at the World Cup in light of the injury to talisman Franck Ribery.

Griezmann, a target for a number of Premier League clubs, has the ability to make headlines in Brazil this summer which, if he does, will ultimately increase the 23-year-old’s asking price after the World Cup.

In comparison to Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, Liverpool are working on a slightly more modest budget, and if Griezmann does interest the real money teams of world football, then the Reds could find themselves priced out. Therefore, he may be one for Liverpool supporters to watch for different reasons.